Chicago Bulls Exploring Trade Market

The Chicago Bulls are exploring the trade market in search of a first-round draft pick in exchange for either center Robin Lopez or forward Doug McDermott, league sources told Basketball Insiders.

Chicago has its own 2017 first-round pick and is also owed Sacramento’s 2017 first-round pick. However, Sacramento’s pick is top-10 protected. Chicago is currently tied for the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference standings with the Detroit Pistons with a 26-29 record.

McDermott, 25, was selected 11th overall by Chicago in 2014. McDermott has proven to be a capable bench scorer averaging 9.9 points per game this season while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc in his career.

McDermott is owed $3.3 million next season and then has a $4.5 million qualifying offer for the following season when he can become a restricted free agent.

Chicago remains interested in acquiring Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor. It’s unclear at this time if exploring the trade market for a first-round pick in exchange for either Lopez or McDermott is related to the Okafor trade talks.

Michael Scotto is a Senior NBA Writer for Basketball Insiders in his sixth season covering the league. He also works for The Associated Press focusing on Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks game coverage.

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